Linda Edmondson Edie

July 5, 1942-January 14, 2018

Linda Edmondson Edie, 75, passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2018 in Joplin, Missouri, after a courageous 51-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She accepted Christ as her Savior at age 12, was baptized, and joined Antioch Baptist Church in Cassville, Missouri and after relocating to Joplin, became a member of Calvary Baptist Church . Her faith, optimistic attitude, delightful sense of humor, unbreakable spirit, and love for life carried her through many years as she faced the precarious nature of MS. Struggling with the heartbreak of MS, she consistently found the strength to reach out to others who were also affected by the relentless disease. She inspired all who met her.

Born July 5, 1942, in Cassville, Missouri, she was the daughter of the late Maurice Wilson Edmondson and Lulah Hopkins Edmondson. Also preceding her in death was her husband of 52 years, Larry Gene Edie, who passed away in 2014.

Survivors include her three daughters, Melissa Edie Schneickert (David) of Walton, Kentucky; Monica Edie Flanagan (William) of Riverton, Illinois; and Kendra Edie Henderson (Danny) of Joplin, Missouri. Also surviving are the “loves of her life”—seven grandchildren, Spencer Schneickert, Hannah, Dominic, and Olivia Moore, Matthew Casper, Alexa and Drew Henderson; two sisters, Donna Loyd (Robert) of Savannah, Georgia, and Martha Bravo (Richard) of San Antonio, Texas; and one sister-in-law, Connie Edie, Neosho, Missouri. In addition, Linda leaves behind two nieces and one nephew—Katrina Edie, Mary Chris Edie Gowin, Scott Edie, as well as numerous cousins and friends.

Following graduation in 1960 from Cassville High School, Linda attended Missouri State University (SMS) in Springfield, Missouri, studying business and music. An accomplished musician, she enthusiastically shared her talents during her school years through numerous solo performances on piano, saxophone, bassoon; her awards included her high school band’s John Phillip Sousa Award as well as numerous medals each year at state music contests. She frequently accompanied fellow musicians in their musical endeavors. At only 17 years of age, Linda presented a senior piano recital, performing works of Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Liszt, and Debussy. During her years as an assistant in the advertising department at Kansas City Life Insurance, Linda became the sole pianist for the company’s 100-voice choir. She also served for many years as church pianist at Norfleet Baptist Church in Kansas City, and later at Calvary Baptist Church in Joplin, Missouri.

Linda married Larry Edie on June 16, 1962 in Kansas City, Missouri. Linda’s marriage and loving family sustained her throughout her life. When her health allowed, she traveled with her family throughout the United States, even skied in Colorado and New Mexico, and celebrated a wedding anniversary on a Caribbean cruise. As her MS progressed, Linda was forced to limit her activities, but she still found joy spending time with her supportive family.

Linda retained her zest for life and her desire to always strive for excellence. She played an active role in the growth of their family businesses (Kemlee Manufacturing, Inc., KMI Metals, and Allmetal Products, Inc.)—from bookkeeping to planning the annual company Christmas parties. At the same time, Linda fulfilled her life’s dream of being “Best Mom Ever” to her three daughters.

Despite the increasing challenges she faced related to MS, Linda created a home full of love, laughter, and music. Linda was a wonderful, devoted daughter, sister, sister-in-law, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother (“Doddy”), and aunt who cherished her home and family. Her generous spirit permeated her home and life, and she never lost her ability to feel empathy for others, providing comfort to anyone in need. In recent years, her loving friends/caregivers became a vital part of Linda’s family. Linda’s “angels”—Linda Randall, Dee Sammons, Rita Long, Cynthia Patrum, Lisa Rojo, and the late Teresa Long—brightened each day for her. Linda’s niece Katrina Edie, RN, provided much-needed comfort and guidance during Linda’s final hospital stay.

Life was better with Linda in it. Defying all expectations, she lived a long, beautiful life. Heaven has gained a very special angel. She will be forever missed.

Services are planned for Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel. A private graveside will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Spencer Schneickert, Dominic Moore, Matthew Casper, Drew Henderson, Ryan Cody and Scott Edie. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6-7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to the MS Society, in care of Parker Mortuary.